The number of calls to mental health charity Mind’s helpline has increased by 50 per cent in the past year with many callers now presenting “acute and complex” problems stemming from severe financial worries.

The charity said there had also been a 30 per cent increase in calls “relating to suicide” in the past 12 months with some 1,546 calls. Overall, the number of calls rose to more than 68,000, from 46,000 in 2011-12.